UPDATE: Petitioners call for action after animals are left to die in Melton home

An investigation has been launched by the RSPCA after the bodies of ten animals - including three dogs, two cats and two rabbits - were removed from a house in Melton on Sunday.

The animal welfare organisation was alerted after local residents became concerned for animals kept at the house in St Peter’s Walk.

The case has prompted an outcry on social media, where animal lovers have described the animals’ plight as ‘absolutely shocking’ and ‘sickening’.

Local residents said the animals had starved to death. Horrific photographs of the animals before they were removed have been posted on the Facebook.

Neighbours have also hit out at the RSPCA, claiming they’d previously made calls to them voicing their concerns for the animals.

Now an online petition has been launched calling for action to be taken against the RSPCA for its ‘lack of actions’. At the time of going to press it had been signed by more than 1,100 people.

There have been claims the animals may have been dead for several months. Some neighbours said they hadn’t seen the dogs since before Christmas.

One local resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “This is quite awful...like something from a horror film.”

She said she believed the woman occupier of the house had not lived there since Christmas.

Claire Akiens jointly runs the Band of Hope rescue organisation in Melton whose volunteers were at the house on Sunday.

Claire said there was no reason why any animal should have to suffer. She said: “Anyone who feels they cannot look after their animal just needs to get in touch.

“Through our network of small rehoming groups across the country, we’re able to help. All it takes is to get a message to us.”

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “Two RSPCA inspectors removed several deceased animals including cats and dogs from a house in Melton after receiving a call on Sunday afternoon.

“The RSPCA is currently investigating what happened to the animals and so cannot comment further.”

The spokeswoman confirmed the organisation had received two calls about the property - one in December and one in February.

She added: “An inspector visited on each occasion, leaving a card, and was called back by a resident saying she still lived there and hadn’t abandoned any animals.

“As soon as we were called again on Sunday, the RSPCA again visited the house and inspectors were confronted by the distressing scenes inside.”

To view the petition visit: www.change.org/p/the-charity-commision-for-england-and-wales-leicestershire-police-to-investigate-and-take-action-against-the-rspca-for-their-involvement-and-lack-of-actions-that-led-to-the-death-of-numerous-animals-at-a-house-in-melton-mowbary-leicestershire?recruiter=9706152&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_term=mob-xs-share_petition-no_msg